PAIDAMOYO MUSHORE
The 21st technological revolution has led to an upsurge of social media as an influential conduit of communication and interaction. In Zimbabwe, Whatsapp group platforms have gained prominence due to affordability and operational efficiency. Even tech “laggards” have been motivated to make use of smartphones and move with the times lest they miss out on social interaction. Sadly, Whatsapp applications are not accompanied by social etiquette manuals when one decides to make use of these platforms and more often that not, users have found themselves facing the brutal wrath of social policing undertaken by self -appointed social policemen.
Social etiquette pertains to the norms that govern acceptable behavior displayed in our social and business interactions. Social etiquette reflects our cultural norms and generally accepted ethical behavioral tendencies, and aids in according respect and consideration to others.Without proper manners and etiquette, the customs of a polite society with Ubuntu/Unhu may be eroded with a likelihood of people behaving more as animals and less like people ,exuding hostility and an "each man for himself" attitude.
Due to diverse backgrounds, distinct upbringings or lack of knowledge, it is common to come across a plethora of social behavior exhibitions. In the absence of etiquette, there is a likelihood of adopting cannibalistic tendencies thus basic social etiquette tips have been outlined below for those seeking discernment on basic whatsapp group etiquette; who knows? They might just save you from making a fool out of yourself or missing out on prospective clients in the future .
RESPECT THE OBJECTIVES OF THE GROUP
Whatsapp groups are created for varied purposes. These are diverse and may encompass academic purposes, family relations, workplace and business harmonization and office related discussions. Whatsapp groups for social interactions also exist therefore everyone’s interests are catered for by the countless number of whatsapp groups in existence. A “whatsapp work group” must not become a platform for sending non related content of a personal nature. Avoid posting casual content such as memes, videos and other irrelevant content. Before sending a video, meme or any content, ascertain whether such content is in the interest of the group. Employers also take into consideration social behavior and demeanor therefore be watchful of your social behavior on social media lest you miss out on a future promotion.
DON'T BE OFFENSIVE AND INCONSIDERATE
Just because you find something funny, does not mean the rest of the group will. Avoid posting any content related to race, religion and sex. In virtual groups, one ought to exercise caution and consideration for other members as they may not be able to observe our facial expressions or body language thus never assume that they will think the way you think or grasp relayed points the way you want them to.
Ever left your phone for a while only to be greeted by numerous messages from a single group, you open the messages only to find it’s a dialogue between two members? If you find yourself having a dialogue with a single member of the group, consider changing the conversation to direct messaging especially if the dialogue is irrelevant to the purpose of the group, the rest of the group may not be interested in reading your conversation with another person. Avoid sending videos and files of high magnitude, not everyone is keen to have their devices saturated with trivial content nor waste data/ wi-fi on hogwash content.
AVOID DISSEMINATING FAKE NEWS
Most of us have been found guilty at one point in time. You see a post on social media and immediately share it on the group chat. Abstain from sending unverified content, information or “news” lest you embarrass yourself. Spreading content whose authenticity has not been verified may have unpleasant consequences such as being arrested for defamation of character or spreading fake content. According to Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020 in Zimbabwe, offenders who spread fake news on the Coronavirus may face up to 20 years of languish in prison and in case you are tempted to do so, you may draw lessons from the exemplary primary arrest of Lovemore Zvokusekwa for spreading fake news on Whatsapp.
APPLY EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
WhatsApp groups are designed to be interactive and accord participants the autonomy to share anything in whichever suitable manner. There is a growing tendency of segregation and sidelining views and comments from other members and whatsapp groups have also becoming a breeding ground for cyber bullying. At any point in WhatsApp groups, if you feel offended by fellow group members, it is plausible not to respond to a comment when you feel offended or insulted. Employ rational thinking and save your responses for later on or do not respond at all.Remember we have varying degrees of emotional intelligence thus sometimes silence is golden and do not always aspire to be that person who always has the final say as you may erode your integrity in the process.
ALWAYS THINK BEFORE YOU TYPE/POST
This is the golden rule to exercising proper social etiquette, always ask yourself “would I say this or use this tone in person to an acquaintance or stranger even? How would l feel if someone was to reciprocate the behavior l am exhibiting?” Aim at phrasing your messages in a professional manner as you would face to face. Being behind a touchscreen sometimes erodes the social norms we usually abide by so be mindful of your audience and think of the possible reactions that may arise from your comments.
Some of you may not resonate with the above mentioned tips, however those who have had exposure in personal and professional branding will attest to the fact that a good reputation that takes years to build may be eroded away or diminished by a simple act of unacceptable social behavior on virtual platforms, it is wise to always keep in mind that you may never know or recognize who is in the same group and observing your behavior. Moreover with the design of screenshots, you never know where group posts may end up or the consequences of impulse actions undertaken on whatsapp group platforms.
“Etiquette is all human social behavior. If you're a hermit on a mountain, you don't have to worry about etiquette; if somebody comes up the mountain, then you've got a problem. It matters because we want to live in reasonably harmonious communities” (Judith Martin)
Well said meticulously articulated